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Friday, August 14, 2009

Swatch Time! A Follow-up on the Overskirt Pattern

Ooh, ladies. Do I have some glorious swatches to show you! I've been thinking about the wiggle dress/overskirt combo pattern that we discussed last week. I posted a poll to get your opinions on this type of ensemble, and almost half of you felt this style was "cute in concept, but possibly strange sewn up."I'm ambivalent myself, but also intrigued. So, I've decided the only thing to do at this point is to actually make it up as an experiment. I like the idea that this ensemble is the ultimate "day-to-evening" solution, which a couple of you pointed out in your comments. The dress can be worn with the little jacket during the day - totally work appropriate, as long as you don't make it in satin. And then if you have an "after-five affair" you can slip off the jacket and tie on your little overskirt! (Okay, so I have exactly zero upcoming "after-five affairs" in my life, but I figure I can flounce around the apartment in it or something.)

But I need your opinion on what fabric to best make the overskirt in, since that seems to be the key to the success of this whole operation. I got some swatches from B&J, where they had oodles and oodles of embroidered organza (some for $300 a yard!), flocked tulle, and something very theatrical called "illusion." I've picked the ones I liked best. (Well, the ones I liked best in my price range. I was going to ask for a swatch of the $300 stuff just to show you, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.)

Here are your choices, with handy-dandy numbers below each swatch you can reference in your comments!

1. Embroidered illusion tulle. I love this one; it has a pretty scalloped border. The employee who cut this for me noted how unusual it was. "Look at zee tiny flow-eurs!" (He was French.)

2. Velvet Polka Dot Flocking on Tulle. Isn't this awesome? B&J carries it in a shocking array of colors, with tiny, medium, or large polka dots. I even saw one that was black tulle with hot pink polka dots! The color of this one is a vibrant royal blue, though that didn't translate very well in my photos. 3. Embroidered Illusion. Black embroidery on an ivory illusion background. Lovely scalloped border.

4. Embroidered lace. I adore this. I like the netting effect, and there are also little trails of tiny sequins and a gorgeous border.

5. Embroidered Polyester Organza. I like the the body of this fabric, but I'm not in love with the swirly design.

This is so hard. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. They are all so beautiful. At first glance, I had my heart set on No. 1, but then the others confused my decision because I love them all.

No. 2 would be a good choice for a real "fun" look. No. 5 for a bit more mature or serious look. Nos. 1 and 4, to me, if you are looking for a softer feminine look.

And here I was all "oooo"ing over #5 ;). I think that's because I automatically try to balance things out, so #5 says more contemporary to me. For a very new pattern, I'd probably go vintage fabric design. The polka-dots may or may not do the same thing (might come out "mod" rather than "millennium"), but I'm not a fan of polka-dots in general (sacrilege!!).

If you are going for very-vintage (ha! look at your project list!), my favourite is #1. I agree that having the denser embroidery coverage will help the overskirt pairing. Then you'll only get glimpses of the underskirt colour rather than looking like you put a tutu over a wiggle dress. Actually, now that I put it like that, I might like it!

I guess my answer all depends on what color and fabric that the main dress will be. If you use something like a navy crepe I say go with the first fabric for the full glam, but I don't think that's what you're thinking because you have the black on ivory piece. So, more information, please?

Hmm, if the dress and jacket are black (crepe might be great!), I must admit that number 3 gets my vote...But if you're planning a blue one like the one on the enveloppe, I'd rather follow my compatriot's choice... which fabric (and color!) do you plan for the main dishes?

I forgot to mention this, but as the flowers on the 3rd fabric are bigger, you could also cut some of them from the remnants and sew them on a matching fascinator... I've been fascinator-obsessed for the last three months and I know this might not be a general case, but if you're planning to sew a dressy overskirt, why don't you add an extra matching something?

I vote for 2 or 1, because they would look adorable if you decided to wear them separately over a full simple dark colored skirt (another silk taffeta number!) or slip... with blouse and cardigan. I am having garment district fabric envy. Bluuuurrrggghhh.

I love #'s 1 and 3. Number one is perhaps younger, and less serious. Though #2 is definitely more fun and could be a day dress. The under dress is perfect for that little black dress and with a jacket certainly NYC work worthy. It really depends on what you get for the dress and jacket. You can make the ensemble and go someplace Sex and the City worthy for cocktails and maybe your life will become a life the dress fits into.

MoederKip, that is VERY interesting that you think that about #2. Especially since when I held that one up to me, it was the one that seemed absolutely perfect; it just sort of clicked. But am I in a polka dot rut?

My personal favorites are 1 and 4 as these seem to look the most unusual. I think the last thing you want for this ensemble is anything that looks like it came from a discount store. A truly elegant and unique fabric will keep it from looking silly and balance the design. And if you don't have an special occasion to wear it -well then just create one! Nobody said you can't have a party and be the belle of your own ball!

Let me rephrase something I said because I sure didn't mean to sound sooty! What I should have said was that you wouldn't want anything that looked costumey instead of looking like a discount store. BTW I am so taken with your project I ordered VoNBBS online and can't wait to get my hands on it.

Well, I'm very partial to polka dots, so #2 would be my choice. ;) But they're all so beautiful I'd have a really tough time choosing if it were me!

I am very interested to see how this dress looks in in the end. I do like the idea of a dress that can go from "day to night" with the addition of an overskirt. (Although like you, my lifestyle really doesn't have a need for special evening dresses. lol!) I'm sure your version is going to look really cute and start a mini trend! hehe!

I like the polka dots of #2, but the scalloped edge of #1 might make me lean toward that one as that could be a really neat hemline. It is interesting how the pattern is in the blue and we are all leaning towards the blue! I wonder if we are swayed by the pictures?